Samuel Norman Baker

After the family moved to California in 1948, Sam went to Manchester Avenue Elementary, Gompers Jr. High and Fremont High, where he played basketball. He graduated in 1961 and after graduation attended Harbor Junior College for two years, and then joined the Army Reserves. In 1966 he married Jacqueline Baker and to that union their only child Leslie was born.

In 1967 he went to work for the Long Beach Naval Ship Yard as a welder and retired 27 years later in 1993 as a senior supervisor. After retirement he got bored so he started driving school buses. He loved the kids and they loved him. He always came home with gifts from them on holidays and special occasions.

Sam enjoyed all sports, but loved football, from coaching to watching it on his BIG screen TV and especially watching his grandsons play.

In December 1999 he married Esther Baker. He loved his family and was so proud of them. He was a friendly person and always eager to help someone, anytime.

Sam joined Praise Tabernacle Church in Chino, but due to distance and illness, fellowshipped at The Grove Community Church in Riverside.

He is preceded in death by his mother Frances, father Samuel and brother Wayne.

Sam leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Esther; his daughter Leslie Baker-Young (Kenneth Sr.); stepson Randy Lowe; three sisters, Beverly Crenshaw, Pamala Thierry and Sharon McCoy (Reginald); ten grandchildren, Regina and Ronayle Eastern, Christina, Angela, K J and Kristopher Young, LaRandi, Avery, Payton and Breyonnie Lowe; five great grandchildren, Evan and Emry McGuire, Meriah Eastern, Imani and Riley Barfield, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who loved him dearly and his beloved pets; Pepper, Buddy and Max, who search the house daily for him.